That wasn’t the only 3-0 win of the night, with a dominant first-half display seeing Derby County ease past Ipswich Town. Craig Bryson, Tom Ince and Darren Bent were on target to send the Rams into the top six.

John Swift’s second-half goal gave Reading a third straight win and left Gianfranco Zola still searching for a first triumph as Birmingham City boss.

Britt Assombalonga was at the double as Nottingham Forest defeated Rotherham United 2-0, which was the same scoreline Cardiff City recorded against Preston North End. A Peter Whittingham penalty and a solo strike from birthday boy Kenneth Zohore secured maximum points.

Elsewhere, David Edwards scored twice as Wolverhampton Wanderers won 3-1 at Barnsley, who had debutant Alex Mowatt dismissed in the second half, while Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday shared the spoils.

On Wednesday night, Newcastle United twice threw away their lead to draw 2-2 at home to Ian Holloway's QPR and miss out on the chance to regain top spot. The R's late equaliser came courtesy of Ciaran Clark putting through his own net.

There was late drama at Ewood Park too, where Leeds United needed a late strike from fan-favourite Pontus Jansson to come away with three points.

In Wednesday's other fixture, Fulham were 2-0 victors away to Burton Albion.